One of the more difficult challenges posed through NPDES permits is the issues of either combined sewer or wet weather overflows. These flows are high capacity, short duration events that are challenged to meet permit disinfection requirements. In addition, many utilities are required to monitor for a variety of micro- organisms as a means of showing protection to public health. This workshop will identify the issues and challenges of disinfecting wet weather and combined sewer overflows and discus the approaches and technologies being used today. As part of this workshop, a forum will be conducted soliciting opinions and comments on the topic of wet weather disinfection.

Ceramic and biosand filters, widely implemented in developing countries, have shown to significantly reduce diarrheal disease incidence, and have potential for long-term sustained use in households. However, there is need for improvement in terms of filter efficiency, quality control and assurance in the manufacturing process, and marketing and distribution. Many institutions are working on a wide range of topics investigating filtration household water options, and a workshop held at Disinfection 2009 very successfully brought 75 people together to share knowledge and resources. This conference, we are following up with a full day dedicated to increasing knowledge and collaboration around ceramic and biosand filtration in developing countries.

One of the key documents governing the disinfection of wastewater effluent used in reuse application is the 2003 Ultraviolet Disinfection – Guidelines for Drinking Water and Water Reuse” published by the National Water Research Institute. Presentations will discuss the regulatory issues associated with adoption of UV disinfection requirements as well as the challenges professionals have faced implementing the 2003 guidelines. As part of this workshop, a forum will be conducted soliciting opinions and comments on the topic of the 2003 guidelines. These comments will be submitted to both NWRI and the California Department of Public Health as they impart on an update to the guidelines in 2011/2012.

Visit the EPA’s Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center (AWBERC) and take a tour of the Drinking Water Pilot Plant, Corrosion Laboratory, and Advanced Material & Solids Analysis Research Core. Attendees will then travel to the EPA’s Test and Evaluation Facility (T&E), which is designed to support research on new treatment technologies for water and hazardous waste.
*Registrations for the EPA Tour will not be available on site at the Conference. Please reserve your spot by 3/30/11!